language
 






 

Question by  buddy67us (12)

What is the origin of the saying a "bone to pick"?

Everyone always says I have a bone to pick with you, but where does that come from, who was the first to say it?

 
+7

Answer by  dante54 (347)

The term dates back to the 16th century. It actually refers to how a dog will chew on a bone, "picking" it clean. It's used when someone wants to discuss something.

 
+7

Answer by  monkeyz (3150)

The phrase comes from the 16th century and refers to a dog picking a bone clean, which is expected to take some time to achieve.

 
+7

Answer by  BookMonger (147)

There are a couple of theories, but the general idea is this metaphor refers to dogs and bones. The saying means there is a fight to be had; it may have come from either the idea that dog's obsess over bones or that dogs commonly fight over bones.

 
+6

Answer by  devilry (73)

The saying "a bone to pick" dates back to the 16th century. The origin is unclear, but it refers to a dog literally picking at a bone.

 
+5

Answer by  kitkat123 (177)

This saying refers to the way people and animals used to work endlessly on cleaning a bone of its meat. It's hard to know who was the first to say this phrase, but it seems to date back to the 16th century and relate to a dog cleaning a bone.

 
+4

Answer by  einsteinshrugged (64)

Hearing someone say 'I have a bone to pick with you' can strike dread into almost anyone's heart. The phrase itself originates from the 16th century and refers to a dog picking a bone clean and now refers to any topic which requires a somewhat lengthy and tenacious conversation.

 
+4

Answer by  jlwilson6 (1098)

This particular saying dates all the way back to the 16th century! It was started only because of out a dog picks the bone clean when eating it. By saying that to someone you are expecting a conversation that requires time and attention.

 
You have 50 words left!